VICTIMS of domestic abuse in Flintshire will have access to more advice and support thanks to funding from the Awards for All Wales programme.

The Domestic Abuse Safety Unit in Deeside has been awarded £4,254 through the programme, which is supported by the Big Lottery and Heritage Lottery funds.

Funds will go to the Freedom Programme, which provides information and support for victims who are experiencing all kinds of domestic abuse.

The 12-week course, which has been running for more than five years, has been extremely successful in helping participants gain renewed confidence and hope, and empowering them with increased knowledge so they feel physically and psychologically safer.

Feedback from past participants shows the project has had a long-term positive impact in more than 95% of cases.

Susan Monti, advocate for the Domestic Abuse Safety Unit, said: “Sadly, domestic abuse is as prevalent in rural areas such as North Wales as it is elsewhere and touches women from all walks of life. In 2006-2007 there were 2,248 reported incidents of domestic violence here in Flintshire alone.

“Domestic abuse is not a one-off event. It is a pattern of behaviours that will increase in frequency and severity over time.”

Seven Freedom Programmes have been completed to date. The latest grant money will enable the organisation to run two further programmes.

Susan added: “During the Freedom Programme we explain the risk involved in sharing our past with new boyfriends.

“One woman who had been on the programme had begun a new relationship and had taken care not to divulge anything of her previous experiences of domestic violence. She quickly realised a continued relationship with him would have been unhealthy and so she ended it. It transpired her unease was justified because when she told him the relationship was over, he attempted to assault her. She believes that had she not followed the Freedom Programme she would not have had the confidence to protect herself.”

Awards for All application packs can be obtained by calling 0845 600 20 40 or for further information call 01686 611740 or visit www.awardsforall.org.uk.